Rome Sightseeing - The Best Instagram Spots in Rome

UPDATED JULY 2024
By Megan Hills

Enjoy a spot of Rome sightseeing and add a dash of culture to your social media with the best Instagram spots in Rome below!

Rome, the eternal city, has centuries of history, culture and art thanks to being the heart of the Roman Empire. With a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and spiritual landmarks, Rome sightseeing is second to none! While wandering around town, you'll want to keep your camera handy because we've put together a list on some of the best photo spots around the city. Pack your portable charger because you're set for some serious Rome sightseeing with our guide to the best Instagram spots in Rome.

St Peter's Basilica

As the heart and soul of the Roman Catholic faith, St Peter's Basilica is renowned for its stunning architecture, distinctive dome and marble detailing. It happens to be the largest church in Rome and there's always something breathtaking to photograph both inside and out, whether you're snapping photos of its tall pillars or Bernini's bronze pavilion. Filled with sculptures and mosaics, it's also an inspiring place of artistic expression and boasts an incredible view of the city from the top of its towers.

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A post shared by Leila Beruchashvili 🕴 (@lelusinio) on Feb 26, 2017 at 7:28am PST

Sistine Chapel

Best known for its captivating ceiling fresco The Last Judgement painted by Michelangelo, the Sistine Chapel is one of the most visited sites within the Vatican City and also most frequently photographed. Part of the Vatican Museums which contains a prolific collection of art and details the history of Catholicism in the city, the 15th century chapel also features murals by Botticelli. Stand in the centre of the cathedral and point your camera directly upwards at Michelangelo's masterpiece for the ultimate Instagram shot.

내 눈앞에 콜로세움이 있는게 왠지 그냥 어이가 없었다

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The Coliseum

Add a splash of ancient history to your Instagram feed with a shot of the Roman Coliseum, where gladiators, wild animals and emperors once roamed. More than 2000 years later, it's now frequented mainly by tourists and the gigantic amphitheatre's distinctive arches, pillars and steep, tiered seats are impossible not to photograph. Scale to the top of its seating area and its walkways to get a full sense of the structure's sheer size, as well as a breathtaking view over its crumbling ruins.

Museum of Castel Sant'Angelo

This stark structure cuts an imposing figure amidst Rome's skyline and the former fortress stands sentinel over the nearby River Tiber. Now a popular ancient Roman museum and the mausoleum of Emperor Hadrian, it's always a hit with history buffs and travel photographers. According to legend, a holy vision depicted the Archangel Michael sheathing his sword on top of the building to signify the end of a plague wracking the city and this has been recreated in an impressive bronze figure, overseeing the city. The opulent Papal Apartments are rich with stunning details and the Courtyard of the Angel is perfect for well-lit photographs.

A mais bela e conhecida fonte barroca italiana ⛲ . 📍 Fontana di Trevi | Roma 📸 @royalcaribbean

A post shared by Teste o Mundo (@testeomundo) on Feb 26, 2017 at 3:00pm PST

Trevi Fountain

While it may be a struggle to get a photo of the Trevi Fountain without crowds of tourists in your shot, it's an iconic Roman sight with beautiful Baroque sculptures. Get someone to snap a photo of you tossing coins into its glittering waters (a popular tradition that is said to ensure a return trip to Rome) or sitting on its low walls with the marble structure arcing over you, much like Hillary Duff in the Lizzie McGuire Movie.
Megan Hills
Rome Travel Expert

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St Peter's Basilica in Rome
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Tourist Traps in Rome

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that the closer you are to any major tourist attraction – be it in London, Paris, New York, or wherever – the more likely you are to fall into a classic tourist trap. Sure, you’ll want to hit up bucket-list biggies like the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain while in Rome, but it pays to be aware that this will position you squarely in the danger zone – we’re talking tacky overpriced souvenirs, street scammers, tediously long queues, and takeaway pizza that no right-minded Italian would touch with a bargepole. Fear not though: we’ve got your back. Read on for our guide to the worst tourist traps in Rome, how best to avoid them, and what you should do instead. Tourist Traps at Major Rome Attractions Number one on the list for most Rome sightseers is the Colosseum, that great oval arena in the heart of the city. It just happens to be the biggest and best-preserved Ancient Roman amphitheater on the planet, and one of Rome’s most photo-friendly attractions, so it stands to reason that it’s busy pretty much all the time. First tip: dodge the faux-gladiators touting for photos outside and, if you absolutely must have a selfie with one of them, avoid a fleecing by agreeing a price first. Better still, get yourself onto the arena floor and strike your own Russell Crowe poses for the camera. Yes, it’s busy down there, but there are ways to avoid the worst of the crowds: quieter evening tours kick off around 9PM and the atmosphere under the floodlights is electric – you can almost hear the crowd baying for gladiator blood. Recommended. Another Rome must-do, the Trevi Fountain is also best visited at dawn or dusk if you hope to avoid the worst of the crowds (and touts, and street scammers). This is also when the light is at its softest and most romantic, all but guaranteeing the perfect #humblebrag shots to fill up your Insta. Trevi is the only fountain in Rome to hold a long-established coin-tossing tradition. So sure, flip in a coin and make your wish, but don’t go doing this at every other fountain in town (as many do) – that pocketful of change is far better spent on authentic gelato or produce from local markets like these ones. Skip-the-line tickets are your friend at most other major attractions, especially the Vatican Museums, though be aware you’ll still have to wait for a little whatever ticket type you have. And, although decidedly touristy, the ubiquitous hop-on hop-off bus tour is actually a pretty good way of getting around the city and ticking off many of the top Rome attractions without tiring yourself out. You can save a bit of extra cash for gelato with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass, which includes the hop-on hop-off bus tour, plus access to many more major city attractions, tours and activities. Find out more about the pass here. Traps for Hungry Rome Tourists You’d think it would be impossible to have a bad meal in the world’s culinary capital, but alas, it is not. As ever, a good rule of thumb is that, if it’s within spitting distance of a major Rome attraction, it’s a tourist trap. We’re talking soggy pizza, microwaved supermarket spaghetti, mass-produced factory sauces, and worse (did somebody say ‘pineapple on pizza’?). Besides proximity to tourist hotspots, there are a few telltale signs which can help you sidestep the dodgiest dining disasters. Restaurant signs and menus that are a) in English, b) laminated or c) laying claim to e.g. ‘the best pizza in town’ are major red flags. Run away as fast as you can! The same goes for menus with no prices on them. If you can’t be shown prices up front, it’s a hard no. Aggressive waiters or touts vying for your custom out front of the eaterie. Do. Not. Engage. Italian stereotypes on restaurant signage: mustachioed dudes scoffing pizza, Italian flags, anything still trading on The Godfather movies… avoid, avoid, avoid. Unless, that is, you actually enjoy eating overpriced and unsatisfying food. Gelato from street carts. Far better to find a traditional store in a non-touristy area than to pay top dollar for a single scoop of synthetic disappointment. The people-watching potential of popular piazzas like Navona and del Popolo is second-to-none; the food resolutely… not. Seek out trattoria in smaller neighborhood piazzas for the best Roman cooking instead. The best tip we can give is to eat where the locals eat. Non-touristy neighborhoods like Trastevere, Coppedé and Testaccio are among the most picturesque in town, and are also where can tuck into traditional amatriciana, carbonara and cacio e pepe, safe in the knowledge they’ve been freshly prepared from scratch in the trattoria’s own kitchen. And, if in doubt, Tripadvisor is your friend. Rome Tourist Traps: Common Scams Rome can have an intoxicating effect on newbie visitors, wowed by seeing all those instantly recognizable attractions – the Colosseum, the Pantheon, St Peter’s Basilica – up close. Such distractions make you a prime target for scammers, pickpockets and other dodgy dealers. Here are a few of the scams you may encounter around Rome’s tourist traps, plus tips on how to avoid them. The freebie scam. Picture the scene: you’re minding your own business sitting on the Spanish Steps, or gazing wistfully into the glittering shop windows of the Via del Corso, when a woman or small child approaches and offers you a rose, charm or other trinket. The problem is that, the minute you take it, those sweet, innocent faces will harden and the loudly aggressive demands for cash payment will commence. Avoid by simply declining the item offered, saying a firm ‘no’ and walking away. The map scam. Sidewalk café tables are prime real estate for incurable people-watchers and a great way to watch the world go buy over cappuccino and cannoli. But don’t let yourself get too distracted and, if anyone slaps a map down on your table on the pretext of asking for directions, be on high alert. When they lift the map to leave, chances are they’ll also grab any valuables you’ve left lying underneath. Arrivederci, phone and wallet! The coin scam. Tourist trap hotspots abound around the major Rome attractions and you’ll find plenty of restaurants, stores and street vendors ready to give you dud coins in your change. So, if you absolutely must have that tacky Colosseum keyring, at least check for rogue lira coins in your change before walking away. Read our guide to staying safe in Rome here. Save on Popular Rome Attractions, Tours and Activities Save on admission to Rome attractions with the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Pass. Check out @omniavaticanrome on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
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Plan Your Trip to Rome

Planning a trip to Rome and seeing all the best rome attractions is no mean feat; it’s a city of great cultural and historic importance and the thought of trying to fit everything into just a few short days can seem impossible. Whether you’re a veteran tourist, or a first-timer, it’s hard to prioritise your favourite monuments and landmarks when you really want to see them all! How to do it? With the OMNIA Vatican & Rome card it’s easy. For three consecutive days, the card acts as your complete sightseeing package while on holiday. Giving you free entry to the Vatican Museums and tours, including Michelangelo’s famous Sistine Chapel, you can skip the queues and save up to four hours in the busy months. If anyone is planning on traveling to the city in the summer, not having to wait in line is a definite added bonus. When in Rome... The Coliseum, Roman Forum and Capitoline Museums are also high on people’s itineraries, as is the Villa Borghese Gallery and the National Museum of Castel Sant’angelo; so it’s just as well the card gives you free entry to two out of those five must-not-miss landmarks, as well as discounted entry to a further 30 top attractions. If you fancy something a little different and want to put your feet up and see the city through a different perspective, why not try the hop-on, hop-off bus tour. The perfect way to see the sights – and give yourself a much needed break! Included in the OMNIA Vatican & Rome Card is a free bus tour ticket, valid for three consecutive days, giving you a bit of extra flexibility to plan your itinerary just how you want it. Many tourists who visit Rome like the independence and to explore things the local way. If this sounds like you, there’s a travelcard valid for the entire duration of your three days, allowing you access to Rome’s extensive transport system; including the Metro, buses and rail service. Explore Rome the Roman way and don’t worry about having to carry any spare change to flag down taxis. Hassle-free holiday The run up to any holiday is both exciting and stressful. What the OMNIA Vatican & Rome card does is minimises the stress, but allows you time to plan and think about what you want to see and where you want to go. Free with the Card is a detailed guidebook about the city and its monuments – providing you will all the information you need to start to work out what you want to see. It’s hassle free and saves you lots of time and money and you can order online and pick it up whenever you’re in Rome from one of three central collection points. If you haven’t got a date in the diary yet, the card is valid for 12 months from purchase, so you can start planning and thinking ahead with the free guidebook. There’s really no easier option; this package is the perfect travel companion and will make your trip to Rome that bit easier, cheaper and definitely more fulfilling!
Go City Expert
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Discover Things to Do in Rome in 2017

The Italian capital has a busy events calendar, here are some of the best things to do in Rome in 2017! From sporting events and annual cultural festivals to street performances and more, Rome is a fun-filled capital that never seems to stop buzzing! Check out some of the best things to do in Rome this year, with our comprehensive guide to the city's favourite events! If you happen to be in town during these events, be sure to mark your calendar because you won't want to miss them! Rome Marathon As one of the biggest sporting events of the year, the Rome Marathon attracts runners and spectators from all over the world. With a 42 kilometer run for serious runners and a 5km Roma Fun Run for casual joggers, there's also a number of fun activities happening at the Marathon Villages. Runners will race past iconic landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps and St Peter's Basilica and be able to squeeze in some sightseeing while achieving their personal best times. Dates: 2 April Natalie di Roma Happy birthday to Rome! This vibrant celebration honours the founding of Rome in 753 BC, which is said to have been the work of the twins Romulus and Remus for which the capital is named. All day, re-enactments of their story, fireworks and parades brighten up the streets (especially around Campidoglio) and fills the city with a festive atmosphere. Dates: 21 April Festa de'Noantri Held in the Trastevere neighbourhood, this holiday celebrates the discovery of a Madonna statue during a storm by fishermen. The cedarwood statue was then donated to the church St Agata and during the Festa de'Noantri, it is taken and carried to the larger St Tiber church in a beautiful religious procession. After eight days, it is returned to St Agata by boat. As with any great Roman festival, music, dancing and theatrical performances characterise the neighbourhood's joyful transformation. Dates: 18 July Papa Audiences at St Peter's Basilica See the Pope at some of the Vatican City's public masses and audiences, held famously at St Peter's Basilica where the papal throne is housed. The Pope regularly conducts the Angelus prayer from his window in the basilica and anybody can watch him speak from the square, however it is worth arriving early to save a good spot. For traditional masses, visitors will have to secure tickets to enter the basilica which are all free of charge. When you've finished, spend some time exploring the basilica and its historical tombs - it's one of the best things to do in the Vatican City. Dates: See the full 2017 papal calendar here. Settimanta Santa and Pasqua at the Vatican City and Colosseum Easter is a hallowed time for the Vatican, with numerous services and celebrations held all week long. One of the most important Catholic traditions is Good Friday's Via Crucis - the Stations of the Cross - which is a procession that re-enacts Jesus Christ's struggle to carry his crucifix to his place of death. The procession begins early in the morning at the Colosseum where a prayer is recited, then winds through Vatican city to thirteen additional stations such as St Peter's Basilica before finishing with a public mass at the Colosseum. Make sure to return to the Colosseum on a quieter day to wander its crumbling tiers and learn about its gladiatorial past through its fascinating exhibition. Dates: March/April Festival della Letterature The Roman Forum is a must-visit for any Rome traveller with stunning relics dating back to ancient times held within its halls. Aside from celebrating Rome's ancient culture, it also honours the best that Rome's modern literary scene has to offer at the Festival della Literature. This popular cultural festival is held annually at the atmospheric Basilica of Maxentius over a number of days, featuring readings by internationally renowned writers such as Zadie Smith, William Finnegan and more. It works a little differently than other literature events - a theme for the festival is announced and then writers create something that pertains to that theme, which are then read aloud. Dates: To be announced, usually May/June Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums While this isn't an event per se, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums' stunning artistic collection are the pinnacle of Roman culture and not to be missed. Open all year round, the Sistine Chapel is most notably famed for Michelangelo's The Last Judgment which arcs across its ceiling and the Vatican Museums for Botticelli's frescoes. Visitors are required to book tickets in advance. Dates: Open year round Gay Village A ten-week open-air bonanza that makes summer the pinkest season of the year: bars, restaurants, live acts, discos, cinema – a great place for boys and girls alike. Venue and contact details change from year to year, but the website reveals all as the date approaches. Where: venue changes from year to year Dates: late June-early Sept 7pm-3am daily Festa de Noant ri Though few traces of Trastevere's working-class roots remain today, the area's residents celebrate its humble origins with gusto during the Festa de' Noantri. Festivities kick off with a procession held in honour of the Madonna del Carmine, to whom the whole shebang is theoretically dedicated. Two weeks of arts events and street performances follow, and fireworks round off the closing night. Where: Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere/piazza Mastai Dates mid-end July
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